Seven Keys of Balabad

By Paul Haven
Rating: 4 stars

In this solid story set in the fictional land of Balabad, Oliver hangs out day after day with his only friend he's made in the city, Zee. The two spend time in Mr. Haji's carpet shop, listening to his outrageous tales of famed relatives. Oliver's father is a reporter and his mother a historian, so they find plenty to occupy them, but Oliver's life drags. Until the day the 500 year old priceless Sacred Carpet of Agamon is stolen and descendents of that very king are finding their homes broken into by thieves looking for a very specific item from each, an ancient iron key. Before Oliver knows it, both his friend Zee and Mr. Haji are intimately involved in the news, and then Mr. Haji disappears. At the same time, Zee's house is broken into. Soon Oliver, Zee and beautiful Alamai are the only thing standing between the ancient secret treasure of Agamon and a man intent on having it all for himself. Interspersed with the story of Agamon and the carpet, this fast-moving story will hold the attention of its readers. Good stuff!